Disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk arrived at San Francisco 49ers corporate offices in Santa Clara alongside agent Drew Rosenhaus on Friday afternoon, submitting paperwork to seek NFL reinstatement as a complex $13 million bonus dispute clouds his future ahead of the league trade deadline, according to Fox News.
The sit-down lasted roughly an hour and fifteen minutes at the team’s corporate offices on Great America Parkway, just a block away from Levi’s Stadium. Aiyuk has not played since suffering a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus during an October 20, 2024, home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, missing the entire 2025 season while placed on the reserve/left squad list in December 2025.
Brandon Aiyuk speaks to the media. pic.twitter.com/mPZqaFdXXR
Aiyuk Files for Reinstatement as $13 Million Dispute Looms
Before Aiyuk can suit up for any franchise, formal league reinstatement is required, according to CBS News. The 49ers signed the former first-round draft pick to a four-year, $120 million contract extension in August 2024. In his career spanning 69 games prior to the injury, Aiyuk accumulated 294 receptions for 4,305 yards and 25 touchdowns. During his standout 2023 campaign, he earned second-team All-Pro honors by hauling in 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven scores. His contributions also featured a heroic, deep catch off a ricochet that sparked the team’s NFC Championship Game comeback victory over the Detroit Lions in January 2024.
Because Aiyuk was on the left squad list when his option bonus for 2026 came due, San Francisco avoided paying that sum, leaving only the prorated remainder of his veteran-minimum base salary valued at approximately $715,000.
#49ers HC Kyle Shanahan on what to expect today with Brandon Aiyuk and Drew Rosenhaus heading to the facility: “No clue. Your guess is as good as mine.” Asked what he would like to see happen, Shanahan replied, “I (couldn’t) care less.” pic.twitter.com/hXZ384WcAl
Complicating his exit further, the NFL sent Aiyuk and the NFL Players Association a letter stating that he owes the 49ers about $13 million in bonus forfeiture based on money he received after signing his extension. Both the NFL Management Council and the NFL Players Association are involved in attempting to resolve the financial dispute, which may require arbitration and take time to clear.
Rosenhaus and Executives Discuss Team Future
After stepping out of a chartered van with Rosenhaus, Aiyuk addressed reporters about his physical recovery. I’m feeling great, feeling healthy. Long recovery process, long rehab process,
Aiyuk said. But I’m back to 100 percent and looking to get reinstated into the National Football League.
Rosenhaus declined to share specifics regarding the negotiations with team executives. When asked about his client’s landing spot, Rosenhaus offered a brief three-word update to assembled media as he left the meeting: To be continued.
He added, We’ll keep that between us and the Niners but obviously we’re here with all the right intentions.
Meanwhile, general manager John Lynch noted that the team is working with the league management council through an unusual situation. My job is to look out for the best interests of the 49ers, and as such, in this particular situation, we’re working with the NFL management council to navigate through kind of a different situation,
Lynch said. It’s fluid.
Veteran WR Brandon Aiyuk owes the 49ers roughly $13 million in bonus forfeiture — a potential complication in his efforts to secure his release by reporting to the facility Friday. The NFL Management Council and the NFL Players Association are both involved in attempting to… pic.twitter.com/APRRlExe3j
Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed indifference regarding Aiyuk’s arrival at the facility, telling reporters he had no clue what to expect and adding that he couldn’t care less.
Lynch previously stated that he does not expect Aiyuk to play for the franchise again. Because San Francisco retains his contractual rights, any separation once the $13 million financial issue is settled will likely involve either a trade or a release ahead of the trade deadline.
More on Brandon Aiyuk
Drew Rosenhaus at the conclusion of the meeting: "Hey, guys, to be continued. We don’t have any further statements right now. But when we do, we’ll let you know." Who did they meet with? Brandon Aiyuk: "We met with the bosses, man. Big bosses."
Brandon Aiyuk’s meeting with the 49ers is done. “Big bosses, big business,” he said when asked who he met with pic.twitter.com/3Wv1Qg7BB5
Brandon Aiyuk answered just one question: Do you hope to play for the 49ers? Aiyuk: "I hope to get reinstated into the National Football League."